A/N: Heading into church camp soon, so better get this out of the way! Till then, IceWrecker out! :D
Oh, and finally 'Ralph' has a different name. Hope it wouldn't be too contusing for the coming chapters!
Till then, IceWrecker out! :D
Chapter 10
'Ralph'
Nope.
No, not that one.
Nopity nopity nope.
I brush a stray bread crumb off my face and turn back to the heavy book on the ground. For the last couple of minutes, I slowly made my way through The Book of Names, munching on RJ's sandwiches at the same time. I think I had gone through half of the names already, but none of them stood out to me, begging me to use it as my own.
I don't want my name to have a bad meaning, yet I also don't want it to be a grand one, one only used by kings and conquers. With its many, many names, it is a tedious task for me to try and go and find the right one, when it is clear that I am not one suitable for the job. I still don't think I deserve to pick a name for myself, but how can I say no now? There's no one around to finish the job for me.
I reach behind my back for the snack bag, only to find out that I'm down to my last sandwich. Better not finish this quick, then. I mentally tell myself as I slowly chewed through the bread and what else the sandwich contained. Maybe I should bring something back to RJ when I have the chance…
RJ…oh God, RJ. Just thinking about his name makes me bark out a small laugh. While I'm busy pouring over the various names to find which one is the best for myself, RJ finished the task with two simple letters. I don't think I've gone through every single name in the book yet, but I believe RJ was not one of them. I wonder if he had a reason to name himself that way; maybe the two letters mean something more to him, something that I don't know yet? Maybe he made that name up? I don't know.
So many names, so many decisions. My mind wanders and I recalled all the names that I had seen on the book, and the various reasons of why I made my rejections.
Eric: ever or eternal ruler. I cringed and moved onto the next entry: naming myself after something that means 'ruler'? No way.
Connor: hound lover, full of desire. I had no idea of what a hound is, but the latter meaning only reminded me of my crazed, mindless desire for Vanellope. I shake my head: nope.
Darwin: dear friend. I slammed my book shut in terror: that is exactly the word I wanted to avoid!
Arthur: noble, courageous. I actually liked the meaning of this name, but the fact that it was used by a king causes me to shake my head.
I sigh, mindlessly flipping over another page. Sooner or later, RJ will return from his trip, asking me to return The Book of Names, probably when I still haven't picked out a name for myself. Every time I move to a new entry, I get the constant fear that this is not the right name for me, or maybe I don't deserve to have this name as my own…
Maybe I should grit my teeth and stuck to Ralph instead…
Out of the corner of my eye, I see something fall onto the pages. Frantic, I brush my hands clean and glance at what is it that fell onto the book. This book is borrowed! I cannot damage or ruin or wreck this in any way otherwise RJ might be in trouble! I see that thing, and breathe out a sigh of relief when it turns out to be another stray bread crumb. Quickly, I brush the crumb off, but not before I got a glimpse at the name that it has fallen on.
Terrance.
I look at the entry, wondering what is it that made me mesmerized. Shoving the rest of the sandwich into my mouth, I pick up the heavy book and tuck it closer to my face. There, I get a better glimpse at this particular entry.
Terrance: A boy's name; can also be spelt as Terrence, Terence, and Terance. Roman name of an unknown meaning, but it is thought to be linked with terenus (soft, tender). Therefore, the meaning of the name can be seen as tender, gracious, and good.
Words I can never use to describe myself.
I shake my head and prepare to close the book, only to find that I cannot do it. For some reason, I have a strange feeling that this name is calling me, begging me to use it. This feeling is so foreign that I couldn't put my finger on it, but at the same time I feel a sense of belonging coming from it, something that happens to be very hard for me to resist.
It is if I really want to claim this name for myself.
Can I really be called Terrance?
Can I?
Can I?
RJ's words run back one more time in my mind: Yer can be somethin' more…
Is that what he meant, that I can change myself if I use a new name?
The building crash has already changed me, but maybe I can transform myself further. Maybe a new name is all what it takes…
Guess there's only one way to find out.
Smiling, I put The Book of Names back into its bag. I let out a rather loud yawn, and slide myself back onto my cardboard makeshift bed. I find myself grinning so widely it hurts, and I don't even feel the cold of the data streams piercing through my code. It is if this simple action of changing my name has somehow started to change me, changing me from the character I was a few mere seconds ago. I wonder if I really decide to use this name, it might really change me further, changing me more in ways I cannot expect…
Guess I'll just have to wait and see what will really happen to me.
I close my eyes and tuck myself in with my blankets. Hopefully, by the time I wake up, 'Ralph' will no longer be sleeping in this spot; instead, another character, one with the name of Terrance, will stand up and face the world.
If RJ approves this name, that is.
I don't worry about that for the time being: drowsiness is quickly taking over me. I forget everything for the time being, letting myself tumble into my dreamworld. Worrying will not help me now, nor will it change what will happen next. But maybe, maybe, RJ does approve this name, and I'll be able to be someone other than a clone.
If only this is really true…
If only I can get a confirmation that what I'm doing is the right thing…
If only…
Yawning, I try to rub my eyes open, waking myself from my sleep. I let out yet another yawn and sit up slowly from my makeshift bed. Looking at the Internet city above gives me no indication of how long my nap was, how long I've been asleep; it always looked the same to me every time I viewed it.
Still, I don't feel like sleeping anymore, so I stretched and got up. Normally rest I would have immediately grabbed my poncho and started another trip towards the Internet for supplies, but somehow, I don't feel like doing that right now. Instead, I turn to the basket that I took from my trip yesterday, and the uneaten rolls still inside it. With my stomach grumbling, it took every fiber in my code to resist touching the rolls,
I'm so hungry, so very hungry; but if this very mistake is what makes me lose my only chance of making a friend, I don't think it is worth it. I can get food and resources anytime, but it is not every day that someone accepts you to be their friend, especially when they know who you really are…
I can't let this chance slide: not now, not ever. I have to grasp onto it, onto my one and only chance of making a true friend.
I hear footsteps behind me, and I turn around. One moment, the Older Net is dark, so dimly lit that I can't see everything clearly. A split second later, a flash of green light explodes into the area, blinding me for a moment. By the time I reopened my eyes, I am no longer alone in the Older Net: a hooded figure with a pack over his shoulder has appeared, a figure that I just happened to know very well…
"Mornin', my friend!" RJ calls as he glitches towards me "Or, night, really. I don't care." He laughs, shoving his hands into his pockets, flickering every now and then.
Somehow, my new friend has the power to brighten up everywhere as he went along, lightening me with a smile. RJ then slides off his pack, rummages through it, and tosses me yet another sandwich-filled bag. Just when I am about to grab it, though, something else lands onto the ground, causing me to quickly withdraw my hand.
I rub my eyes, trying to see that what I just seen was wrong. But no: the basket is still there, filled to the brim with rolls. It looks just like the same ones I stole from the stalls on the Internet yesterday.
"What? I bought them!" RJ says, "With my own cash! They're mine!"
Wait. RJ…bought the rolls? He didn't just take them, but he paid for it as well? My jaw drops open in shock: did RJ really found a way to make some money up here?
Seeing me not taking the rolls, RJ shakes his head and clarifies "Yes, I found a way to make money here on the Internet. 'Tis not much, I gotta admit; still a beginner, but at least I can really buy some decent stuff like 'tis here."
Hearing his explanation, I breathe out a sigh of relief and reach towards the rolls. Just then, RJ points at something behind my back, which I then realize is the basket that I took yesterday, rolls and all.
"Oh, and just before I forget: remember those rolls ya stole yesterday?" He asks. Recalling the memory, I nod sheepishly as RJ continues "I paid them off: they're mine as well. Eat up, they're all yers!"
Wait.
So if RJ paid for the rolls that I stole yesterday, technically they're never stolen, right?
RJ's reassuring look confirms my suspicions, and I grab the basket that I took yesterday, wolfing down every single last one of the rolls. Before I dive into the newly arrived foods, though, I manage to hold myself, long enough to reach back and hand over, along with its bag, The Book of Names to RJ. I can see his grin flattering a bit as he accepts the heavy book, stumbling and crashing onto the ground as he tries to hold onto it properly.
"Already?!" He asks in surprise. RJ glances at me, mouth full of rolls, and then at the book, and then back at me again. When he catches me nodding my head, this only further fuels his disbelief. "Ya got yerself a name already?!"
As RJ's struggling to stand back up, I grab my whiteboard and started to reply. Yes, I found one. I write. I then paused, however, before continuing my sentence. I don't know if it's a good one though.
"Well, if ya don't tell me, then I would never know!" He replies. By now, RJ has finally managed to plant both feet firmly onto the ground, the book-containing-bag slung over his shoulder.
I look down at the ground, hesitant, before picking my board up and writing the name I had in my mind. I turn my head away from RJ, peeking slightly as I flip the board over to him, letting him which name I picked.
RJ cocks his head as he studies the name. "Terrance?" He reads out. Oh, so that's how you pronounce it. I think in my mind.
RJ makes a slight face and twitches his nose. I tense up, getting a sinking feeling that RJ is going to say that I've made a poor decision, that this is not the name for me.
Is…that a bad name? I ask, glancing away.
"Uh…" RJ stammers, and the feeling in me worsens. I am now convinced that I have made a bad decision, that I chose a name I wasn't supposed to choose.
I slowly put down the board and write a new sentence. That's okay. If that's a bad name, then I should let you choose. Seriously, I don't think I should do this, I don't think…
"Stop."
I look up from the board, only to find RJ smiling warmly down at me. "Don't think of it like that, my friend. Ya should be happy with yer choices, and 'tis yer name after all; ya should be the only one in charge of findin' a new name for yerself."
So…I try to look straight at him, but I find my gaze wandering a bit. You think this is a good name?
RJ's grin grows wider. "I couldn't ask for a better one, Terrance." He punches me lightly on the shoulder and points to the food on the ground. "Eat up: we have a long day ahead of us."
I lean forward and pick up the sandwich bag and the basket, and start tearing into them. Meanwhile, RJ just sat nearby, fingering a small device on his left hand. Occasionally, he glances slightly back at me, but he didn't do anything else. It is only a matter of mere minutes before the sandwiches and rolls were reduced to crumbs, all which I licked off my face. As soon I finished eating, RJ stands up, and gestures me to follow him. "Grab yer poncho, and follow me." He instructs.
Where are we going? I ask, trying to catch up to RJ.
"To BuzzzTube. I found a way to make money there. However, the boss in charge there apparently didn't believe that ya not one of the clones that caused the Crash." RJ replies "She refused to open ya an account, but if ya can convince her, she might just change her mind and make ya an account."
BuzzzTube…that name sounds kinda familiar, like I heard it before, yet I couldn't remember anything about it…
Oh wait, I remember it now. I think the avatars go into that website to post their videos. I remember running across it one time on my trips, but I never headed inside it. I heard from some netizens that my original made dozens of videos on that very site just to make some money, and although I'm not sure if this is indeed true, there's no reason to risk it, right?
Which…might be the very thing RJ is suggesting right now.
Wait, so I have to go there? I ask.
"Yup, in person."
I start to stumble backwards. I can't do it. I write on the board. What if he or she doesn't believe me? Would I get caught?
"I know ya can convince her. I believe in ya. And I get the feelin' that she wouldn't turn ya in. After all, yer tellin' the truth, right?" RJ turns and walks towards one of the ladders. Quickly, I sprint in that direction, as I've been walking the opposite way that RJ is walking in. Which, if I remember correctly, also happens to be the wrong way to the website…
Wait RJ! I call. That's not the right way! That doesn't lead to BuzzzTube!
"I know." RJ shoots back, a twinkle in his eye. "But there's no harm takin' the scenic route, right?"
Terrified, I yank on RJ's jacket, trying to stop him from moving. It works for a moment: RJ is temporary stalled in his steps, but it isn't enough to stop him. "What's wrong?" He asks me "What's wrong with taking the other routes?"
I tap my fingers together, nervous. No, it's just… I stop writing as I try to calm myself down. Every time I make a trip towards the Internet, I get this constant fear that someone will recognize me, and I'll get turned in eventually. Even though the avatars that populate most of the Internet don't realize my appearance, and my hooded poncho successfully hides out most of my obvious features, it still isn't enough to fully convince myself that I am indeed safe. I know when my brothers were defeated at the end of the Crash, they all vanished into the light, every single last one of them. I don't know if this is my fate as well, but I'm terrified of what will happen if my death really is portrayed in this way.
I don't want to admit this to RJ, or to anyone, but I'm scared, scared of what the netizens will do to me as a virus. My first and last undisguised encounter with the netizens nearly cost my life and forced me to hide in the Older Net. The netizens, they're all out to kill me, and I cannot let such a chance happen.
"What's wrong, Terrance?" RJ asks, swinging a hand in front of my face. It is then I remember that my new name is now Terrance, and is might be the only word RJ will be using to call me from now on.
I don't want to get caught. I write. I don't want any characters to capture me.
"Tsk! Not many characters really take notice of who ya are up there! Just keep yer head down; no one will notice." RJ reassures me, and then he starts to climb up the ladder. I swiftly follow him up, careful not to trip onto my poncho. I know where this ladder leads to; after heading out the alleys Google will be straight ahead. I think it is a search website.
I wonder if that's what RJ meant by 'takin' the scenic route': by searching BuzzzTube up and going from that direction. Sure, it's a much longer way to head to the website, but RJ must have decided this for a reason, right?
My assumption was indeed correct: moments later, RJ and I are standing in line, waiting in front of the search bar of Google. As we waited, RJ whistled causally while I kept looking around, tightening my poncho, fearful that someone will recognize me here. But so far, I don't see anyone pointing at me, or yelling in my direction.
Maybe I'm just too nervous. I tell myself as we got the front of the line.
"Hello sirs." The character greets us. "Where are you heading to today?"
"Oh we're both goin' to BuzzzTube, but take him first." I jerk forward as RJ slaps me again on the shoulder, causing me to fall head-first onto the counter. I groan, rubbing my head as I get back up, the character giving me a funny look over the counter.
"You agree with what this man said?" He asks, pointing at RJ over my shoulder.
I know very well that I am allowed to say no, but I agree with RJ anyway. I nod my head.
The character types something behind the counter, and suddenly dozens of search results appear. The topmost one is an icon of the BuzzzTube logo. I carefully put a finger on it, and instantly a pod forms around myself. I turn my head to see RJ waving as I pull away from the website, up into the Internet.
I'm starting to worry that RJ might have set me up for this, but another glance behind my back eases me as I see him directly behind me in another pod. He gives a thumbs-up as we zoom over the shining city.
Another memory surfaces in my mind as I soar across everything. There, I was leaping from a nearby building and onto a pod, exactly the same as the one I am now traveling in. I see myself reached out a hand; smash through the glass walls of the pod, and grabbed a female avatar by the head. She wore a hoodie, the color similar to what Vanellope wore. I asked if she was my friend, but she didn't answer. I tossed her off into the depths of the Internet bellow shortly before I leapt off the broken pod myself, my fists raised as I continued my destruction.
The city has changed greatly after the Crash: websites were up and going, characters walked in and out of the buildings, and avatars were everywhere. I see a pod, with a female avatar sitting inside it, come close to where I'm at, and immediately I tense up, pulling my hood further down. It is then I remember that the avatars cannot see me, and I am not in any danger of being recognized…for now.
Apart from that one time I was in the Crash, I have never travelled in one of these pods to get from one place to the next. It was too risky, and my speechless voice made it impossible to verbally search where I'm going to. But from such a height, it is as the Internet has changed, has become something completely different from what I seen at eye level. Above my head, round globes of every color possible are soaring fast, each containing an avatar. Underneath me, avatars and netizens of all features were busy going to various sites, travelling in pods if necessary. I can see gleaming buildings, each with huge signs proudly displaying what their sites are to everyone passing by. The Internet is alive, teaming with energy and shimmering with power. Everyone is laughing as they went about their ways, not giving the slightest care as they want along…
Too bad I can never really be a part of this world.
My pod swings to the right, and I can see a huge red building looming ahead. I can see loads of avatars heading into this site. Closer inspection of the building confirms that RJ and I have reached our destination.
My pod zooms inside the building, where I can see many large screens displayed, each showing something different. But I have no time to look at them all as at that very moment my pod vanishes, sending me gasping as I crash onto the ground. I start to get up, but I then hear heavy footsteps, coming quickly towards me. I look up and see RJ, but also the three men standing next to him. Two of them wear sunglasses and suits and are huge; the third is much smaller but had a certain sternness to him.
The stern guy points a finger at me. "So, this is the 'friend' you're talking about?"
RJ nods. "Yes, that is indeed him."
"Well, then you know what happens next…Stand back, RJ." He instructs as the other two characters make their way to where I am. "The security guards will take care of everything."
Wait, guards?!
Oh no.
The guards reach to where I'm lying and pull me roughly to my feet. As soon I'm standing, one of them runs behind me, grabs both my hands, and yanks them forward. Meanwhile, the other guard is taking something out of his pocket, something that I can see has a metallic shine to it. With one swift CLICK!, the thing is snapped onto both my hands, its weight dragging me onto the ground.
The effect is instantaneous. Immediately, I can feel my code boiling up, my hands shaking violently, sparks shooting out uncontrollably as I scream in pain. My hands have reddened further, and I can see marking starting to sear through them. As I crumble to the ground, I close my eyes, hoping to stop the pain, yet it is no use. I have no idea what the guards have put onto my hands, but I don't like it, I don't like it at all.
Make it stop! I scream in my mind as the feverish pain continues. Make it stop!
After a moment, I manage to squeeze one eye open, only to see RJ standing with the stern guy, saying something I cannot hear. Despite my pain, I grit my teeth in hatred: RJ, the character who accepted to be my friend, to help me whenever he can, is now standing to the side, unwilling to get me out of this. Seeing him that neglectful towards my current state, I wonder if he planned this all along, that all this 'friend thingy' was just a colorful façade to hand me over to the characters who want me dead. And I walked right into his trap.
You're such a stupid, stupid clone, willing to give everything just for a friend. A voice taunts me. Now, look what you've got yourself into! Enjoy your last few moments on the Internet, you worthless thing!
I continue to scream as I crumble to the ground, my hands unbearably hot. I keep looking at RJ, glaring at him. Why did you do this to me? I shout in my mind. Why? Why did you betray me?
Then I see RJ turn to me, his face absolutely terrified. He starts wringing his hands and make his way to me, but the guards stop him from getting closer. "What are ya doin' to him?" He yells, frantic "What are ya doin'? Ya have never mentioned anythin' like 'tis to me!"
The guy sighs as the guards heave me back up. "I have no choice, RJ. None of us do. This character is a virus, and for the sake of this website we have to make precautions. None of us want a full-on virus outbreak here. These cuffs limit the activity a virus can do on a site: the higher percentage of virus a character contains, the greater their effect. And from what I see here…" The character glances at my pathetic state. "your friend really is a pure virus."
"Well, of course he is, Captain Obvious!" RJ shouts back, his fists raised. "Didn't Yesss tell ya about him? Didn't she?"
"Uh…" The guy glances up at RJ, but quickly glances down again when he sees his thunderous face. "I don't think she told me." I hear a tiny beeping sound, and the guy looks away from RJ to something he's holding in his hand. "Oh, and um…Yesss now requires you to bring your friend up to meet her. Come with me."
"About time." RJ scoffs, rolling his eyes as the guards start pushing me towards the two characters. When my gaze meets RJ's, he gives me an apologetic look. "Look, I'm sorry." He whispers "Yesss only said there will be 'virus precautions' or somethin' like that. I never knew it was like 'tis!"
I simply nod my head. My pain hasn't eased in the least, but at least it is a reassuring fact that RJ is still on my side, that he hasn't been a traitor like I just thought…
Well, he could betray you later, right? The same voice has now returned to me. He might want more of your trust, so that he can really hand you over when he has the chance!
SHUT UP! I scream back. You don't know what you're talking about! I'm taking a risk with RJ, and I won't stop until I believe I'm wrong.
I am led up a flight of steps and into a corridor, walking until I reach a door at the very end. One of the guards knocks his fist on the door. "Come in!" I hear someone call faintly, and the other guard pushes the door open.
The room I am now standing in looks very grand, with a window showing the large screens below. Behind the table, a character is standing, her hands planted on the counter. She was wearing a shiny coat and had glasses. I shake my head as I feel another memory struggles to surface, as if I have seen this character before.
"Is that him, RJ?" The character asks. RJ nods his head and walks to where the character is, putting the bag containing The Book of Names down. "Yup, that's him." He replies, and from my spot I can see his face is still scrunched up in a scowl.
"I apologize that I haven't been able to tell you our methods of a virus precaution, RJ, it is all confidential. I'm so sorry that we treated your friend this way, even if it is for the good of the website." She waves a hand in my direction. Uncuff him." The character instructs.
Slowly, the guards step forward and carefully removed the cuffs from my hands. Once they're gone, my hands are still reddened with code marks plainly visible, not to mention that the pain has not completely faded away. But still, I am relieved that I am no longer wearing the cuffs, and after recovering for a slight moment, I turn to face the boss.
Up closer, the boss of BuzzzTube is much prettier than I thought, but I also know clearly that this isn't my reason for being here. And besides, I don't know what she wants to do with me. The quicker I get out of this site, the better.
"So, what's your name, young man?" She asks me.
Quickly, I take my whiteboard slung at my hip and a marker. Just as I'm about to write, though, I hesitate, not knowing what I should write out. I mean, to RJ, my name is now Terrance, but what about the others? To them, I'm just another Ralph clone, right?
I glance over at RJ, silently begging him to help. He gets my message, and mouths "New name." I give a slight nod, and then write down exactly what he suggested to me. I flip the board over to the female character.
"Terrance…okay, that's unexpected, but I guess that works." The boss finally lets out. I gulp, hoping what I did wasn't the wrong thing.
"What do ya mean by 'unexpected', Yesss?" RJ asks, crossing his arms. Oh, so the boss' name is Yes or something. That's unexpected by my standards.
Oh wait, I think her name is Yesss, with three s-es. Yup! I think I remember that from somewhere, I think I heard it before.
"I mean, when he's obviously a clone, why would he have a name that is different from all the others?" From the way I hear it, I don't think Yesss is insulting me, but rather asking out of curiosity. I can see RJ start to reply, but when he sees me, he lowers his hand and gestured me to answer the question myself instead.
At this moment, I don't really want to stay in this website anymore, given how I've been treated. I don't think there's any use in lying, so I just plainly blurt out the truth.
Because I'm not one of them!
Yesss gasps, and so do the other three characters. Only RJ remains unfazed in seeing my response, his lips slightly plucked up in a small smile. It quickly changes back into an unamused expression when Yesss turns back to him, however.
"You're not…one of them?" Yesss asks, approaching the question cautiously. I might have been too explosive with my abrupt response, so I toned it down a bit. I nod.
"Look, I would need elaboration on that. Hold on a second." Yesss turns and waves at the other three characters "You three, go and wait outside my door. Oh, but leave your detectors behind; I think I might need them. But please leave the room for now."
The guards took something out of their pockets and placed them on the table. When they were finished, all three characters bowed to Yesss and quickly left the room. Yesss went over to her table and fingered the things the guards just dropped off, and then holding them in her hands, went over to me.
"RJ, they're gone now. You can remove your hood." Yesss tells RJ, who starts glitching and waving his hands frantically. It is then I realize that I haven't seen RJ with his hood removed before.
"No! I can't do it, Yesss! It's because…" RJ suddenly stops, leans close to Yesss, and starts whispering something in her ear. I don't know what RJ had said, but I have an idea what he was whispering, for when he pulled away from the boss, his hood is still on, and he has no intentions of taking it off.
Maybe RJ has some secrets of his own, too.
By now, Yesss has stepped forward to me, holding up something in her hand. It looks like a small, round device, attached to a piece of string. She asks me to hold out my hand, and when I do, places the device squarely in the palm, the device looking tiny in my huge hand.
"I know RJ means well, but I'm not totally convinced that I can trust you yet…"
"Yesss!" RJ interrupts across the room, his hands on his hips. "Geez, Louise! Yer such a party pooper! Would ya just get to the point already?"
"Stop it, Glitch!" She fires back. "You're not the one in charge here, you idiot!"
That insult was a little bit too harsh in my opinion, but it worked perfectly as RJ managed to clamp his mouth shut immediately. Yesss breathes in and out deeply, and then taps the device in my hand.
"Okay, as I was saying, you look like a decent guy, Terrance, but I cannot totally trust you yet. You're a virus after all, the cuffs proof that perfectly."
I know. I reply, sighing.
"Therefore, I need to run something I would like to call an 'identity check'. We sometimes use it on some users in order to confirm that they don't have bad intentions in mind. We cannot stop bullies, but we're trying our best to hold them down. With your background, some of us might believe that you're a hacker or something, preparing to cause trouble on BuzzzTube. Don't get me wrong: just a few months ago someone hacked into our website and unleashed a virus, trying to harvest our data. Don't worry, we managed to get that under control before it was too late."
Yesss sighs again. "Look. A part of me believes that you're indeed a good character, despite what your code says. However, I cannot rule out the possibility that you're lying to get past me. Therefore, I would now ask you loop this detector over your head. This device will be able to detect if you're speaking truthfully or not. I know, Terrance, this is not something I should really do, but…"
"Ugh, ya said it yerself." RJ interrupts once more, rolling his eyes. Yesss shoots him yet another death glare, and RJ stops talking once again.
After hearing what Yesss has just said, I cannot help feeling a slight anger as well. So, she doesn't believe that I'm innocent all along! She still needs a device to prove that I'm not lying! But guess that what I get for having a dangerous background.
Still, I can't help asking a question. Will it hurt? I write.
Yesss smiles reassuringly at me. "You might feel a slight ticklish feeling, but it won't hurt much. Don't worry, I promise it'll be not like the cuffs the guards put on you earlier."
I think I trust her, and with a nod of my head, I lift the string and slip it over my head, the detection device dangling on my chest. Indeed, I feel a slight tingling running through my code, but it definitely isn't enough to make me scream out in agony.
I look back at Yesss, only to see she now has a board in her hand. I think the board is digital, and it is much bigger than the whiteboard I have. She glances over at RJ, then turns back to me.
"Okay, so the reason I called Maybe and the guards out is because of something I don't want them to hear. You see, during the Crash, while everyone else was running for their lives, I grabbed my car and took Ralph and Vanellope for the ride. I tried to lead all the clones to the Anti-Virus district, there they'll be all destroyed…or so we thought."
So that was you! I exclaim through my board.
"'Course that was me, but how can I tell anyone?" She giggles "If Maybe or any of my guards found out, then…I don't even want to know what they're going to do to me." The giggles have graduated into a full-blown laughter, and I can't help smiling as well. I wouldn't have told anyone either if I did such a thing.
"However, because of this very reason, I realized just how destructive the Ralph clones were. I mean, before I picked the two up, some of the clones invaded our website, and while they just tore up everything to look for Vanellope, we managed to beat them up fairly quickly and shoo them out of our site. But…when they came together as a team to catch Vanellope…we were all overwhelmed by them. They were so powerful, so fast, so full of desire to capture Vanellope that we were greatly outnumbered. It didn't help they came together to form a huge version of Ralph and took Vanellope by force, and Ralph and I can only stare hopelessly as she was taken."
I know. I heard that.
"I don't know if you're one of them, so I need you to tell everything that happened to you in the Crash. Everything, and please don't lie to me; I can detect when you're not telling the truth with this device."
I won't lie. I won't. I promise Yesss and pick up my board.
It turns out Yesss isn't better at understanding ASL than RJ is, and therefore I have to resort to my whiteboard and my markers once more. Slowly, I tell my story from the beginning, trying to recall every single memory that happened to me. Turns out the marker in my hand happened to be one that is not completely new, for when I get to the point where I wrote the building fell onto me, the ink ran out and I dug through my pockets. To my dismay, I find I only have two more markers left, and I have no idea how long they will last.
I should have bought more markers if I saw this coming.
Still, I take them out and continue telling my story. I write one word after the next, flip the board after finishing my current sentence, then flip it back over and scrub it clean before starting a new one. It is the only thing I did in the next couple of minutes: write, flip, show, flip again, scrub, and repeat. All the way, I can see RJ nodding his head in approval while Yesss 'listens' to my story, glancing down at her board at the same time. I can see her frowning slightly as she peers down at it. Uh-oh. Is that a good thing?
I brush that thought aside as I continue writing. I wrote down everything I told RJ before back in the Older Net, yet when I got to that point, I didn't stop. I continue writing about how I met RJ, how I desired for a friend, how I believed that I don't deserve a pal on the Internet. I continue writing, and as I did, I'm surprised to taste salt on my lips. I hold one finger up to my face, and find tears rolling down my checks. I admit I can be a bit emotional at times, but now it's not the time to do so. I desperately try to stop myself, but I can't do it. Capping my marker, I stop writing and lift my sleeve to my face, brushing away any tears before continuing.
I just want a-
Huh?
What's happening?
Why won't anything come out?
Why can't I write the last few words?
I shake the marker and place the tip onto the board once more, but nothing comes out. I shake it again, but again I can't write any words.
Darn it, darn it, darn it!
Annoyed, I growl and clutch the marker tightly, so tight that the next moment I find my hand faintly splattered with ink and the marker split in two. I glance up, embarrassed, only to see both RJ and Yesss looking straight at me.
Sorry. I mouth, rubbing my hand on my poncho to get rid of the ink, but I don't think it is much help at all. I'll probably need some water to get me out of this mess.
"Don't you have another marker?" Yesss asks. Her voice sounds concerned, not threatening at all. Maybe she's starting to stand on my side as well, but I cannot confirm since I haven't finished my story yet.
I shake my head. This just happened to be the last marker that I bought along with me. I look around the room, but I don't see any signs of an object that can pass as a marker. If only Yesss knew ASL, then I can tell her immediately what happened next. But all because of my stupid marker, I am forced to stop.
I feel something tapping against my arm, and I look to see the boss holding out a board to me. It is blank at the top, but at the bottom, there is a whole bunch of letters and numbers, all arranged randomly. I've never seen anything like it.
"Here's a keyboard, type what you were writing and finish what you're saying." She instructs.
I glance at the board again. I'm guessing that the bottom part of the board, the one with the letters and numbers, is what the characters call a keyboard. I carefully place one finger on a letter, and instantly the same letter appears on the space above. I click on another one, and that letter appears too. I wonder if this is the same for the numbers as well, so I do the same thing, and indeed it also works. Soon, the space above is filled with a random jumble of letters, numbers, and nonsensical words. Nothing makes any sense, but at least I know how to use the keyboard now.
No wait, I don't; how do I erase what I just wrote?
I take one corner of my poncho, and start rubbing on the jumble of words formed in the space, but so far I couldn't make them disappear. I tried rubbing harder, but the words still remain. I was about to rub the board again when I heard Yesss call my name, my new name.
"You don't clear words by doing that!" She says, pointing at my board "There's a 'backspace' button on the keyboard. Hit it, and you'll be able to delete everything you just wrote."
Really? That sounds like magic! I locate the button on the keyboard and gingerly press it. Indeed, the last letter on the space vanishes. I press it again, and another letter disappears. I press the button a couple of times more, and I wonder what will happen if I hold it down for long enough. I place my finger down on the 'backspace' button and didn't lift it up, and I see everything I typed start to vanish into nothing. I gasp, as this is something I've never seen before. As the space becomes blank once more, I can't help staring at it for a while, mesmerized at how this 'magic' worked.
I hear someone clear his throat, and I see RJ looking at me. "Finish yer tale." He instructs.
Oh, right.
Now that I know how to use the keyboard, I quickly finish the rest of my sentence. I let my fingers fly over the keyboard, hitting the 'backspace' button if necessary. After I finished the current sentence, though, I didn't flip the board over immediately. Instead, I continue typing, typing until I think that I have typed down everything.
I hit the 'period' key on the keyboard and let out a loud sigh. This is it. I think to myself. If Yesss thinks that I'm lying, so let it be it. I have told her everything that I know. It's not my fault that she doesn't believe me. Sighing again, I flip the board over.
I just want a companion on the Internet. When I see characters chatting or laughing with each other, I feel really jealous. But I know that it's not something I can control since I'm not a normal character to start with. By now, RJ is the only character that has accepted me, that believes in me. But I don't know how long this will last. I know very well that our friendship might not last long, but I really hope that I can hold onto this as long as I can. I want my friendship to be built on trust, not by force. I won't force one to become my friend, even if this means I'll probably never have any new friends since no one is willing to trust a viral clone.
"Oh Terrance…" RJ sighs, cocking his head. "Don't say to yerself like that."
You know very well this is true, RJ! I type back.
"That's enough." Yesss jumps in and turns to me. "So you're saying…that you don't have any desire towards Vanellope anymore?"
I nod my head. If she wants to be my friend, then I'll gladly let it happen. I can't force her to be my friend or not. It's her choice, and not the other way round. But I don't think she'll accept me after what my brothers and I did to her.
"So do you know where she is now?" Yesss asks me.
I pull up a memory, and then I put in my answer. Slaughter Race, I believe? I've only passed by that game once, and I saw her in the entrance with her friends.
"You didn't talk to her?"
I shake my head. What's the point? She doesn't want me to be my friend!
"So you really don't have an urge to grab her and get her to be your friend when you have the chance?"
I start fuming. If my words have the ability to kill, I would have gladly used that power. I told you, Yesss, I don't have a desire for her to be my friend anymore! Why do you keep asking that? Is this a joke? Do you think I'm lying? If you don't believe me, fine! I'll just leave! I know what you're thinking: oh, look at this virus dude, so pathetic, trying to gain some sympathy! Let me just drive him nuts by asking the same question over and over again! Ugh! You know what, I'm done, I'm done with this! I'm done!
My finger leaves the keyboard, and I raise the board and hurl it to the ground. I then rip the device off my neck, crush it in my fist, and fling it to the ground as well. Pulling up my hood, I turn to the door, my code boiling with anger.
I knew it, I totally knew it. I mutter in my mind. Yesss is indeed up to no good. Now she knows where I am, I better leave before all the other netizens arrive. Sorry you tried to help, RJ, but guess I'm on my own now.
I place a hand on the handle and start to turn it.
"Terrance."
I turn around, only to see RJ and Yesss bending down to pick up the broken board and device, the very ones that I just wrecked seconds earlier. I suddenly start to get afraid: would this very action ruined my impression forwards Yesss? Maybe she wasn't firing at me in the way I was assuming, but my hidden temper took over and I exploded. I had a chance and I just blew it! I blew it! It's all over, and it's my entire fault. Me and my stupid temper ruined everything!
Still I remove my hand from the handle and turn back to the two. I breathe in and out, preparing myself for the moment Yesss throws me out.
"Listen Terrance. I didn't know what I just said hurt you so much. I didn't know what you were going through, and I shouldn't have asked you further when I saw you were getting uncomfortable with the questions."
Too bad the damage's already done. I scoff in my mind.
"Look, the reason I have to ask you this much is that I didn't believe what the device was telling me. That's right: it said you were telling the truth the whole time. I had to ask a few more questions to see if you were indeed being honest, and you really were, temper and all."
RJ nods in approval as she continues. "I'm really sorry that the building fell upon you during the Crash, and that your brothers are no longer alive. You're indeed a Ralph clone, but at the same time, you're definitely not one of them."
Wait, what? Did I just hear that correctly? I look up at the two characters.
"You're not one of them at all…"
RJ is grinning, so is Yesss. I don't know if that's a good thing, but I don't have time to think for at this moment the boss of BuzzzTube tosses something towards me. I catch it, revealing it to be a squarish device with a clasp on its side, looking tiny in my huge hand.
Yesss clears her throat. "I trust you Terrance. Welcome to BuzzzTube."
WAIT, WHAT?!
I…I passed?
I really managed to prove myself out?
My jaw drops to the ground while I look at the device in my hand. My name, my new name, is written on it, along with the amount of money my account contains, which is currently at zero. Yesss steps forward and stretches out her hand. Not knowing what to do, I hold out a hand and shook it. I am giddy with excitement, not believing what has just happened, what I have just done to gain the boss' trust.
Just then, my device buzzes violently, and I gasp. Quickly, I grab it and take a look, only to see the zero on the screen has changed to another number: 34. But I haven't done anything to my account yet! I point at the screen frantically, and Yesss calmly answers my question. "Looks like a certain someone has just transferred some caseh over to your account!"
Wait, a certain someone. Who could it be?
Oh.
Oh, right.
I run over to RJ, who is holding an identical device in his hands. The screen currently has the words 'Transfer Complete' flashing on it, then the words vanish, displaying RJ's current amount of cash in his account with a big fat zero.
I gasp.
Quickly, I grab the board I just smashed onto the ground. I start tapping on it. Good! Amid the cracks, it's still usable. Quickly deleting everything I typed, I start typing a new sentence. Did you just transfer all your money to me?!
"Yes…is there a problem?"
I pause. I really want to answer, but his smile stops me from answering. "Ya need the money, Terry. I got food from home, but it's not the same for ya here. I don't need the money, but ya do. I'll keep transferring the cash I make in my videos to yer account. What I want ya to do is to stop stealin'. Ya got that?"
I start crying, but I am smiling at the same time. Still in disbelief, I type out: Why are you doing this to me, RJ, why?
"I don't need a reason to help a friend, right?" He smirks, and shakes his head.
"He's right, Terrance." Yesss pipes up. "If he really thinks you're his friend, then there's really no reason for him not to help you, right?" She steps closer to me. "You have proved yourself that you're not one of the clones from the Crash, that tried to harm Vanellope. I've got you an account, but I want to do something further…"
Yesss now turns to face me. "I think I can be your friend, if you don't mind."
WHAT?!
My jaw drops again as the boss continues. "I don't see any harm in being a friend with someone I don't think is dangerous. You certainly proved that you're not one of them. And besides…" Yesss leans closer and whispers in my ear. "You look cute when you lose your temper."
I feel my lips curl up in a smile. Really? I type.
"Really. Just don't tell Ralph I said this, alright? Though I have a feeling that you'll never do that." She gives my shoulder a friendly slap, then walks back to her desk.
RJ then comes to me "Gotta make some more videos. Get yerself some food; I think ya can buy a pie with that price."
Wait, you're not coming? I ask, surprised. And what do you mean by a 'pie'?
"'Tis somethin' real delicious. Go and search it up, ya'll thank me for it. Don't worry; I think we'll see each other soon. Oh, and remember," RJ turns to me with a cheeky grin. "Ya promised to teach me sign language."
Oh yeah. I almost forget about that. It's that the reason that you asked me to leave right now, so that I can prepare? I ask back, smiling myself.
"Maybe." RJ laughs, then waves at me. Clutching the device like it is a treasure, I turn to the door. Before I open it, however, I turn around and see my RJ and Yesss, someone who has just became my new friend.
Maybe I did change more when I changed my name to Terrance.
Maybe this is just the beginning…
I turn the handle and left the room, grinning like an idiot and my code buzzing like the happiest character alive.